When the Indianapolis Colts decided to fire defensive coordinator Larry Coyer this week, it marked a significant moment in the history of the franchise during the tenure of vice president Bill Polian. It was the first time in the Polian era (1998 to present) that a coach was let go during the season.

The Indianapolis Colts have replaced defensive coordinator Larry Coyer with linebackers coach Mike Murphy. "The move was made to improve communication and production," head coach Jim Caldwell said in a press release. "We feel this is the most effective and realistic way to move forward and win games this season. We appreciate all of the effort and hard work Larry Coyer put forth in his three years with the Colts."

Scott Reynolds, of PewterReport.com, reports Tampa Bay Buccaneers assistant head coach and defensive line coach Larry Coyer will no longer work with the defensive line. He will focus on being the team's assistant head coach, where he will analyze the team's offense and defense.

Dave Krieger, of the Rocky Mountain News, reports Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Larry Coyer believes tackling was the No. 1 problem in the team's preseason game Friday, Aug. 11. The Detroit Lions averaged 4.9 yards per carry against the Broncos. Coyer said, "Toughness, tackling. And it's not what we stand for. I don't care what the game situation is. We're going to tackle, we're going to be tough and we're going to play together. If we lose that, we don't have anything. So to me it's urgent. You've got to tackle. If you look at all the great teams that have been to Super Bowls with defenses, they don't miss tackles. Whether it be Tampa Bay, Baltimore or these great teams, you miss tackles, they kill you. And I think that's what we have to realize."

Dave Krieger, of the Rocky Mountain News, reports Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Larry Coyer was disappointed with the effort turned in by his defense in the team's preseason opener, particularly in the tackling department. "To me, the number one downside in that game was tackling," Coyer said. "Toughness, tackling. And it's not what we stand for. I don't care what the game situation is. We're going to tackle, we're going to be tough and we're going to play together. If we lose that, we don't have anything. So to me it's urgent. You've got to tackle."

Andrew Mason, of DenverBroncos.com, reports Denver Broncos' players and coaches believe the team's defense could be headed for another solid campaign in 2005. "I think this is the best preparation we've had since I've been here as far as being able to adjust to anything that an offense does," LB Al Wilson said. "It's definitely been a productive camp for us." Defensive coordinator Larry Coyer concurred. "I think that we can adjust better than we ever could to different things," Coyer said. "I think that we're more capable of moving on the run than we've ever been, and that's a real positive."

Andrew Mason, of DenverBroncos.com, reports Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Larry Coyer believes the additions of veteran DLs Courtney Brown, Ebenezer Ekuban, Gerard Warren and Michael Myers gives the entire defensive line much greater flexibility this season. "They're big, skilled guys that are going to help us," Coyer said. "It just comes down to us developing that situation into a rotation, which we think is the key to defensive-line play, being able to rotate guys and keep us healthy. It's going to be really competitive."

Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Larry Coyer says the Broncos will attempt to utilize some aspects of the 3-4 defense next season, but he added the alignment will not become the team's base defense, reports Andrew Mason of DenverBroncos.com. "Does [the 3-4] have value, yes. How does it fit our scheme? We're not quite sure yet," Coyer said. "Does it have a place here? Yes. A major place? No, but a place, yes. It will be a small part of what we're trying to do."